Huge start gives Dodgers split with Cubs

Juan Pierre, Rafael Furcal, Orlando Hudson, Russell Martin, and James Loney. What do they all have in common?

All five singled to start the game. And all five eventually scored.

The Dodgers jumped all over Cubs starter Sean Marshall for a five-run first en route to an easy win in Chicago, 8-2. Both teams won two games in this series.

Like they've done better than any other team in the majors this year, the Dodgers got on the board in a hurry and in a big way. Five singles, a two-run double by Mark Loretta, and a sac-fly RBI by Jamie Hoffmann was more than enough to put this game away after one inning.

Eric Milton was the starter, and he was a craftsman tonight. He lasted five and 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on six hits, walking one and striking out four. He maybe only topped out at 88 MPH, but his off-speed stuff was located masterfully, keeping the Cubs off balance the whole time. I'd say he earned a stay in the rotation.

The lead was built to 8-0 after five. Matt Kemp homered deep into left center for his sixth of the year, and second in three days. He's been pushed back as far as eighth in the batting order, mainly because he can't stop striking out, but his recent power surge is a great sign for a team that rarely hits one without Manny.

Loney doubled home another run in the fifth to make it 7-0. The final run was scored when Kemp singled to put runners on first and third. As Loretta struck out, Kemp stole second, and Geovany Soto's throw sailed into center, allowing Loney to walk home.

Milton ran into some trouble in the sixth, not that it mattered. A two-run double by Reed Johnson with the bases loaded made it 8-2 and chased him. Ronald Belisario came on and stranded both runners.

The defense was just as big a part of this win. Loretta made a great leaping catch to end the bottom of the first off the bat of Derek Lee. Hoffmann made a fantastic play by making a diving catch in the second, then having the presence of mind to quickly get up, fire home, and get Johnson out in plenty of time. What a play.

Basically the series came down to each team splitting close and blowout games. The Dodgers took Thursday's close game; the Cubs got a close one Friday. The Cubs blew out the Dodgers Saturday; the Dodgers returned the favor Sunday. So it was all a wash in the end.

There's no rest for the Dodgers as they return home to play the 11th game of 17 consecutive days. They start a homestand with three against the Diamondbacks. At long last, Hiroki Kuroda makes his return to the mound, with his only start coming Opening Day.